Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Creating a town and other brainstorming fun

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I'm in the midst of planning and scheming my next book series. In fact that's what I'll be spending the bulk of today doing. There is so much that goes into that process. I have to create characters. Heroes. Heroines. Supporting characters. Pets. Churches. Jobs. Places they work. And towns. Sometimes I use real places. Other times I've used fictional. Both work and can be fun. But for this … [Read more...]

The Reality of Romance

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Romance is hard work. In our novels, we often stop at the point that a couple is discovering and leaning into their new love -- unless it's a marriage of convenience, and then they have to learn to love each other as newly married strangers. They go through struggles to reach that point, real barriers, but then the book closes with an acknowledgment that life won't necessarily be easy, but as … [Read more...]

Books I’ve Loved this Month + Giveaway

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I think because classes started this week at Purdue, I've been in a race to read some good books. The above are just a few of them that I've inhaled and recommended. Here's why I loved them: The Price of Valor is Susan May Warren at the top of her writing game. Susie is a master of creating characters and plot that will not let me go as a reader. This book is no exception. From the opening … [Read more...]

Books to Encourage in Chaotic Times

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In our hourse we're preparing for the kids to return to school and for me to return to face-to-face classes at Purdue. We all came home in mid-March, and I'd say we're largely ready to see what the fall has in store. This year has been the year of Flexible Chaos, and I'm certain it's not over yet! Those who know me well would be quick to confirm that I don't do chaos well...at all. In fact I … [Read more...]

Books, Puppies, and Fun oh my!

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One of the things I've done bit by bit through our time at home these last months is organizing different corners of the house. I had to laugh when each bookshelf I was working through had a copy of the same Lisa Scottoline book. The top one Lisa autographed for me at International Thriller Writers conference a couple summers ago. Now to make the time to read the book all the way through. I've … [Read more...]

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